Farm-automobile.



T. J. THORP. FARM AUTOMOBILE. APPLICATION FILD JUNE 4, 1910. 988,287'.v

T. J. THORP.

FARM AUTOMOBILE.

APPLIATION FILED JUNE 4, 1910.

988,287. Patented 111111.28, 1911.

JM www @www ffm T. J. THORP.

FARM AUTOMOBILE. APPLICATION FILED JUNI: 4, m10.

Patented Mar. 28, 1911.

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T. I. THORP.

FARM AUTOMOBILE.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 4, 1910.

Patented Ma1r.2s,1911.

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T. J. THORP.

FARM AUToMoBlLE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4, 11910. v

Patented Mar. 28, 1911.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

T. J. THORP.

FARM AUTOMOBILE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNM, 1910.

Patented Mar. 28, 1911.

1o SHEETS-SHEET a.

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T. J. THOR?.

FARM AUTOMOBILE.

APPLICATION PILPD JUNE 4, 1910.

988,287. Patented Mar.28,1911.

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T. J.. THORP. 11111111 AUTQMOBILB.

APPLICATION HLBD JUNE 4,'1910- 988,287. Patented 11111.28, 1911.

1o SHEETS-SHEET 8,

T. J. THORP.

'FARM AUTOMOBILE. APPLIUATIDN FILED JUNI: 4, 1910.

988,287. f Patented Ma\r.2s,1911.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

Wok/as YZ0 rpo l ly @sl T. J. THORP. FARM AUTOMOBILE. APPLIUATION FILED JUNI: 4, 1910A Patented Mar. 28, 1911.

THOMAS J'. THOR?, OF LOS AIlGrEIIES, C'ALIFORNIA.

FARM-AUTOMOBILE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 28, 1911.

Application tiled .T une 4, 1910. Serial No. 565,059.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that l, THOMAS J. THoRr, a

citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county oit Los Angeles and State of California, have invented certain new and useful improvements 1n Farm- Automobiles, of which the following isa specification.

My' invention relates to motor vehicles which are particularly adapted to agricultural uses. i

My object has been to provide a motor vehiele which can be adapted to the various uses to which agrieulturalists desire, to put them.

I have endeavored to so design my invention thatv it may be used as a vehicle for passengers or may be quickly converted into a motor for general traction purposes. It may also be converted into a dray for carrying merchandise.

A further and important object of my invention is to malte the frame thereof very flexible in order to enableit to easily operate u pon very rough ground. llfhile I have desldned itr with the nir )ose of makin@ it exb l Y e t'remely flexible. yet l have endeai-'ored to retain the utmost .simplicity of construction.

I have also endeavored to make the con-'y struction very durable and eficient for the various purposes to which it is applied'.

A further object of my invention has been torender 'the structure adaptable to the traction of a variety of `agricultural implements. I have also provided -means whereby a. variety, as Well as a considerable number of these implements may be carried upon the frame of the vehicle simultaneously.

A further object of my invention has been to renderthe invention as a' Whole largely automatic in its character, and to adapt it to the control of :1 -'single operator. This operator Willzcontrol the motor, the steering mechanism, the farm' implements, and other parts of the' mechanism.

The above objects and advantages of my improvements, as welll as others, will be rendered more apparent in the following specilcation taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in 'Which.'-'-

Figure 1 is ajpla'n viewof the machine, showing the greater partof the mechanism of the propelling end, and showing the rear end provided with a plain box or body. Fig. 2 is a plan View .the greater part of the propelling` or driving mechanism covered with a platform, and showing more particularly the greater" part of the steering mechanism. Tn-this view the. seed drill and other farm implements are shown in place. Fig. 3 is an eleva-tion of the machine showing the farm implements attached. Fig. L is a side elevation showing themachine applied to. a vehicle'for passengers. Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the driving portion of the machine. Fig. t3 is a cross "section df the. machine, looking forward, and showing more` particularly the transverse spring and its connection with the framework. Fig. 7 is across seetionof the machine along the axis of the driving wheels. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section substantially along the center line of the machine, with tional view taken on the line 9 of Fig. 1, and showing the supporting roller for the framework. 'Fig'. 10 is an elevation of said roller, partly in section. Fig. 1l is a sectional view on the line ll of Fig. l, showing a portion of the steering mechanism. Fig. 12 is an elevation partly in section, as viewed from the front ofthe machine, of the worm gearing ot said steering mechanism. Fig. 13 is a plan view, with portions in sections, of the greater part of said stecring mechanism, showing particularly the clutches and beveled gear connections. Fig. 14. is a perspective view of the slidable and rotatable connections of the semi-elliptic spring with the turntable. Fig. 15 is a sectional view ofthe sleeve through which the end of thel spring passes, and rel-ated parts. Fig; 1G is a perspective view showing a vertical guide for the rearwardly extending portions of the framework which carry one of the rear Wheels. and also showing the slidable and rotatable connections of the transverse semielliptical spring with said rearwardly extending framework. Fig'. 17 is a cross section of the framework, showing the mode of attachment of the vertical guides. F ig. .18

connections with the transverse semi-elliptic spring in section. Fig. 19 isa sectional view, taken on the. line 19--19 of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a detail view showing -thep'ushl rod, connecting thc turntable with one of the axles. Fig. 21 is a detail showing the outer springs.

of the machine with Fig. 22 a View at 'right angles to Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the steering portions shown in elevation. Fig. 9 is a secis an enlarged detail showing portions of thewheel, Fig. 2/1- a detail View of the friction roller for 'operating the elevating mechanism of the in'ipleanent frame. Fig. 25 is an elevation of the rear. end of the vehicle when used as a dray, a bus, or carriage body be ing shown in dottedlines. Fig. 26 is a section just behind the suspendiiigflinks substantially on the line 26-26 of Fig. l.

Similar numerals of'referenec are applied to similar parts in 1the different Views.

In order to make the following descrip tion more easily comprehended it is consid ered advisable to confine the earlier part of the description to the general arrangement of the more important elements of the framework and the general arrangement of the motor, the drive wheels, &c. i

The vehicle as a whole may be conveniently considered as being divided into two very general or elementary groups. Of these the circular and horizontally disposed member 50, to which is integrally attached the rectangular portion 55, and to which is also pivotally attached the rearwardly extending1 pivoted members 52, may be said to form t other group comprises a secondary polygonal framework 51 which is designed to ro tate in a horizontal direction within the oircular frame 50.- This polygonal frame 51 supports the outer frame 50 through means of certain rollers which will be described later. This interior polygonal iframe serves as a means for supporting and carrying t-he motor, the steering mechanism, and all of theV mechanism directly 'associated with the motive .power and control of the machine. The drive wheels 115 are mountedin bearings "carried by this interior polygonal frame. The o erator who manages the machine is provi ed `with a seat upon this interior frame, andthe cab is'mounted upon this' frame. This interior polygonal frame 4is adapted'to rotate in a horizontal direction within and with relation to the outer frame 50; or primary frame.

Referring again to the outer drame, the

.circular member() is rovided with outwardly and rearwardly ormed members 50 which are fixed to -the frame 50 and between which and the said 'circular frame the' front- -ends' of the rearwardly extending frame members 52ers'A inserted. A bolt or pin 53 isput'through the members 50a, and

56 for the ivo frame members 52, These u ghgudes 56 are providedwith @over `p etes 5 which @chne the basso@ within the seid yoke. The yoke is also re:

sa vided-with lugs 5E..w:hih las over the' afs e basis of one of said groups.' Thev the ends of said bolts fare threaded into 54 and screws 58 in the said yolres 56hold' them in. place. By this means the bars 52 may have a very extended movement in a vertical direction while the wheels of the vehicle are moving over rough ground, and

'in this respect a very important flexible feaaxle bearings 60 rigidly to the members 52.

In either case the wheels may be adjustably attached to said members 52 by means of pins 62a which pass through the. parts 62 and through apertures 62h,

The rectangular portion55 of the outer jframe is connected to the rearwardly: extended members 52 by means of leaf sprlngs 63, Figs. 6, 18, '19. These leaf springs 63 are attached to a block 6 4 which is pivotally' attached to the fra-me .member 55 y means of a sleeve 65. This sleeve is secured to the framemember 55 by means of bolts or rivets 73,` which are passed through flanges 73 which project laterally from the body of the said sleeve.

The block 64 is held in place-on e sleeve 65 by means of the' bolt 66 Whichfsshoulf dered against therame memberl' at 67 andv which is finally secured in'plaee bythe nu't 68.

This bolt 'hase circular head .69 4which bears upon the outer face of the block 64 and serves as means of supportinr o'erj tain other portions of the frameworkiw V eh will be described later. The spring 63 is held 1n position-Huth@ block 64 by means ofpthe cover late 70- i which is held in place by the screws 1. The

pin 72 Which 4is inserted in the hole inthe spring holdst in place. The outer extremlties of the s ring 63' are slidably mounted 1n blocks vor c airs 74.1- which are xed to the rearwardlyvextending members 52. -These chairs' have a cylindrical boreyin whlch' 1s t-tedacylindrical member l75 (Flgs.v 15 16). and which in turn is provided wltha 4rec- .giros tangular slot 78 passing' longitudinally throughsaid member 75. Into this slot is inserted the endof the spring 63. This construpton .is more 1.611,1? illustrated in 'the seasonal new, appearing in Flei, The

cylindrical member is provided with se d' d erases at the. @ses te which are, te sleeves 76ans which are secured la pesrtieda essere?? this means; t .i ies i eid in las@ viiethi's iter ginie-or bleek p mams b1 '1f h di e eli er@ Misuse as er' er e raides are is there given thpe referentie inwardly and are pivotally attached to the to space and'secure said forks together at which will be referred to later.

" 79 is adapted to`receive and support a va-l form a single piece, as shown in the drawably' secured to the-carrying frame 7 9 by the riage 90 mounted upon the carrying frame asses? numeral' 125. By means of this spring mounting` the ends of the springs 63 are permitted to have what may be called a univeri sa] movement. It will be seen that the end of thev spring may slidev longitudinally in l the slot 7 8 in the cylindrical member 75 and i the cylindrical member is free to rotate within the block or chair 7 5. By this means, I provide another very flexible feature in l my improved construction at this point. l

Between the rearwardly extending members 52, 'I provide a carrying framework 79, preferably of 'rectangular'form andlying in a horizontal' position. This carrying frame riety of vehicle bodiesl or elements and also the frames of a variety of agricultural im-y plements which may be removably attachedv tosaid carrying frame 79. This carrying frame is supported at itsl frontend by links. 80, which are secured' thereto by pins or bolts 81. These links are inclined upwardly and head 69 of the bolt 06. These links 80 may ings, or they may be separate pieces, both of which at their,.upperends. are supported by the said bolt head 69. The upper end' 82 of these links. is held in position on the head 69 of the bolts 60 by means of a washer or disk 83, which is secured in position on the bolt head by the screw 84. The rear end of the carrying frame .79 is supported by a spring which is slidably mounted at its ends in rotatable members 75, which are' in turn fitted to chairs 86. These chairs are se'- cured to the rear ends of the forked portions 59 and 59of the members 52 and serve their rear ends, as well as to serve as a supe port for the endsA of the spring. The spring 85 is secured by rivets or bolts or othersuitable means 87 to the center of a transverse portion 7 9a of the carrying frame 79.

In Figs. 2 and 3 I have shown certain" agricultural implements supported by the carryingframe 7 9,?yvgiose frame `88 is remov-` bolts 89. The agricultural equipment shown in Figs. 2 andB comprises a seed-drill 218, a series of plows219, and a harrow 220,

In Fig. 4I have illustrated my invention with the body of the covered coach or car- 79 and removably secured thereto by the bolts 91.

In Fig. 1I have shown a plain box or body 91n suitable for carrying ordinary merchandise and for the general purposes of a dray. This body 91a maybe in a similar manner removably attached to the carrying frame 79 by the bolts 91". Any other suitable means for attaching these various elements or implement frames to the carrying ground. 'and for work' of a very diversified character. 2

The polygonal frame 51,` as previously mentioned, supports the forward end of the vehicle framework and all of the driving and steering mechanism. This polygonal frame 51 is provided with four rollers 101 which bear upon the lower edge of the circul'ar portion 50 of the outerV frame. These rollers 101 are provided with gear teeth 102, which mesh with. gear teeth 100 which are formed' upon the lower edge of the circular frame 50. rIhe said rollers are provided with flanges 101, which overlap the frame 50 andhold the said frame 50 in place.

These rollers are supported by pins or bolts 103, to which they are rotatably'tted and which are threaded into the hanger 104. This hanger 104C is provided with flanges 105, which are secured` to the polygonal frame 51 by the rivets106. The polygonal frame 51 supports al platform 107, which is secured to it by angle piece 108 and rivets 109,.

The platform 107 is preferably circular in its general form and projects outwardly beyond the limits of the polygonal frame .51 and overlaps the circularl frame 50, but does not rest upon the same or come in contact therewith at anyv point. Portions of this platform are cut away, as shown at 107a and 107, to permit the attachment of certain portions of the mechanism. The portions of the platform that project beyond the polygonal frame 51 are given a reference numeralv 110, as shown more particularly 1n F 1g. 9. rA small space 1s provided between the projecting vpart 110 and the upper edge of the circular frame 50, as shown at 111.

'In order to prevent the polygonal frame 51 and the outer frame 50 becoming separated, I provide rollers 112, which bear upon the upper edge of the circular frame50 and which. are secured to the polygonal frame by screws or pins 112a (Fig. 7). These screws or pins arexthreadedl into upwardly.

projecting brackets 11B-which are secured to the polygonal frame byasuitable Screws or` rivets llgt.A The rollers112 are preferably flanged, as shown at 112, and by this means they assist in keeping the polygonal frame 51 in a central position within the frame 50.

The driving wheels 115 are in my inven-l tion placed at vthe front end of the machine Aand are secured to axles 116 which are fitted to bearings 117 and 118. These bearings are attached to the polygonal frame 51 b y springsand other attachments as described ward portion of the vehiclerests lupon the:

later. Each of the drive wheels 115 is provided with a separate axle 116, these axlesbeing capable of independent movements when the vehicle is moving in a curved path. The bearings 117 are provided with means for holding the springs 121. Thebearingsv '118 are adapted tolact upon springs 123.`

The springs 121, of the semi-elliptic form, are secured to the lower portions of the blocks 119. The middlelparts of the said springs 121 are securedin position in the blocks 119 by .caps 124, suitable screws being provided for holding said caps'lin place.

It will beseen that the weight of the fortwo wheels 115 and that the upper reaction on said wheels causes an upward pressure to be exerted upon the vbearings 117, and hence an u ward .pressureis transmitted to the midd e portion of the semi-elliptic springs 1212 At the outer .ends :of lthe axles, howi ever, the bearings'118 would resist a pressure vin .the op osite direction to that acting upon the bearlngs 117, because of the fact Vthat the bearings'117 act asfulc'rums about which the upward reaction of the wheels 115 i act as at the end of a lever arm, and the op-v posite end ofthe axle 116 ismoved downwardly about said fulcrum. The downward pressure exerted ,by 'the outer end of the axle 116 is transmitted to the bearing' i' 118 in the block '120. and finally to the springs 123. 'v

, The semi-elliptic springs'121`v are itted at their ends. to cylindrical members 75 which i and'screws or Vbolts 129'kare passed through have a bearing in the chairs or hangers 125,

whichfare in turn secured to the polygonal frame 51. These spring connections have been previously described in connectionw'ith the springs 63 and 85. The ends ofthe springs4 are capable of a longitudinal movelment in the slot 78 in the cylindrical mem- -ber 75, and 'said member 75 is capable of a 45.

rotary motion. 'Hence theend of thespring is capable of a universal movement at its point of connection with the frame 51. v -The chairs or hangers '125 are preferably provided lwith lu s 1 27 and 128 which lit over the edges o the polygonal frame 51,

the upwardly disposed portion 126 'of the body of the hanger and through the frame 51. The bearing blocks 120 are provided with laterally projecting arms 130 which are fitted to vertical guides 131 attached to the polygonal frame 51. These guides 131 serve to erably elical springs.

polygonal x said frame 51. The springs 122 are intendy ed to serve as cushions against sudden up- -ward 'movements of the outer ends 'of the axles. These springs 122 and 123 'are pref- The pressure acting' upon t em is relatively light and much less thanthat acting upon the springs 121, loe- 1 cause 'of the effect due to .the lever action in the axles 116.- The bearing blocks 120 are 'held in place upon the axle 116 by a collar.

134and the drivingv wheel 115 is held in place vby another collar 135. The driving mitted to the polygonal frame 5l by a push rod 136 which is pivotally attached to the bearing block 11.9 at its rear end by the pin part 104 onthe said frame by 137 and to the theV pin 138.

The motor 140 is carried by the polygonal frame 51 and is preferably a gasolene motor .of the usual type, though any motor suitable` for the purpose may be used. The shaft 141 Of this motor may carry a clutch 142 and this clutch in turnmay connect with a 'shaft 143. A speed gearing box 144 is. provided, and the gearing in said box connects with a shaft 145 in the .manner commonly known in mechanism now used for that purpose. The shaft 145 is connected with differential gear- Ving which is inclos'ed in the casing 146.

The differential gearing is connected with two shafts 147 and148 having bearings 149 and I150 secured tothe polygonal frame 51 by flanges 151 and 152 and suitable rivets.

The diierential gearing inclosed in'the vcasing 146 vis provided for the purpose .of

driving the Itwo shafts 147 and 148 at diderent speeds, but with 'the same driving force while the machine is moving in a curved path. This mechanism is very commonly used in motor vehicles and other machinery, and a detailed description of it a's well as of the speed gearing-in the casing 144 and vof the clutch 142 are not here given, as vthe details of these parts form no part of the presentinvention. v

At the outer extremities of the shafts 147 and 148 are xedly mounted sprocket wheels power of each of the wheels '115 is -trans- 154 and 155 to which are attached the sprocket chains 156 and 157 leading to larger sprocket wheels 158 and'159 which are se-4 'cured to the axles 116.' The sprocket chains 156'and 157 transmit the motion of the shafts `147 and 148 to the Vsaid axles, and therefore the motor 140 is thereby ,enabled to propel the machine.

A hand lever 160 is provided foroperating the speed gearing in the casing 144 in a manner commonly known, Treadles 161 ermitl the operator to manipulate the -clutch 142 and Vthe brake. A lever 162 1s also connected to the brake in the usual manner.' The shaft 163 `is provided for transmitting 'themotion of thelever 162 to `the brake, and said shaft is 'supported frame. 51.

and yis pivotally attached to tivo links 173 ally attached to levers 174ea and 175 which' 'which one of them is drivably connected.y

bearings 165 attached to the polygonal y frame. At extremities of the said shaftare small crank arms 16-1 which are pivotally attached to links 166, *which are in turn con-4 nected witlra. band or friction brakes 1.67m attached to the axles 116. The motor 1-10 preferably supported by the frame .n1em. hers 168 which extend from the front edge of the polygonal frame 51 to its rear edge and are secured thereto. 4

The steer-iupV mechanism comprises a gear 169, which meshes With teeth upon the lower edge of the circular frame 50 and which is-y supportcd in bearings upon the polygonal frame 51. By providing 'suitable 'mechanism for rotating'the gear 169, 1 am enabled to steer the machine. W'hen the said gear 169 is rotated it is caused to move ini a'circular direction beneath the frame ,50, and hence thepolygonal frame 51 and drive wheels 1,15 Whiclrare mounted therein are moved to the angular position desired relative to said frame 50. This angular position causes the machine to travel in a curved path. The gear 169 is driven by power derived from .the motor 110 through mechanism which is under control of the operator. '.lhisniechanism is controlled by aY hand wheel 170. which suitably mounted in front of the seat which the operator occupies upon the rear portion of the polygonal The hand` Wheel 1 '70 istixed to a vertical steering'r shaft 171 which is inclosed in a tube 171". said tube being held by a base 171b secured to theplat'form 107. Theisteering shaft 171 provided with a short leveror'arm 172 fixed to itsloiver end,

and 174 which extend laterally in opposite directions therefrom. These links are pivot are pijvoted at 176 and 177 to the platform 107. The forward ends of these levers are, pivotally and non-rotatably yattached to the clutch members 178 and 179, which are slidahlv..` lint`non-rotatably. n iounted upon the shaft 182by means of feathers 180 and 181. The clutch. members 178 and 179 are a.dapt' ed to engage and drive other clutch mem-. bers or driven members 188 and 184 whichy are rotatably mounted'upon the shaft 182. .These driven members 188 and 184. form the bodies of beveled L'ear Wheels which mesh. with another. Iear Wheel 198. which drives the steering; mechanism which will bedescribed later.` 'I

The two fear wheels 188 aud 184. being' enuagedvwith the ejear 198 upon opposite. sides thereof are adapted to drive thelsaid gear 1.98 in either direction. dependingl upon with 4 the shaft 189. .This connection is made h v means ofthe clutches 178 and 179, 'either of which may be put into engagement with. its respective gear 18B or 184. The

sprocket Wheels and enables the shaft 141 cured on said shaft by a key 185g. AThev gear 185 meshes with and is driven by a gear 186, which is secured to the shaft 187 by the key 1863. The shaft'187 carries a sprocket Wheel 188 which' is secured thereto and which is connected .vith another .sprocket Wheel 189 fixed to the motor shaft. A sprocket chain 190 connects the two to drive the shaft' 187. The shaft 187 is supported in bearings 191 and'192 .which are carried by the frame member'193 which is secured to the frame members 168. This frame member 198 has .forwardly projecting; arms 194 and 195 which have bearings 196 and 197 at their extremities and which support the shaft. 182. It will now be seen that the motor 140 is operatively connected with thel shaft 182. and may be connected With the gear 198 through either of the clutch members 178 and 179 and gears 183 and 184. I

The gear 198 is fixed to the upper end of the vertical shaft 199 which is provided with bearings 200 and 201 in a. frame member 202 which is' secured by rivets at 208 to the polygonal frame 51. A screwor Worm204 is fixed to the shaft 199 and meshes-With and drives a Worm Wheel 205,

which is `secured to a shaft 206. This shaft 9.06 is provided with bearings 207 and 208 in the .franie member Q09 which is secured to4 the polygonal frame 51 by the rivets or bolts :210. The gear Wheel 169, previously mentioned. is secured to the shaftl 206, and when said lgear wheel 169 is rotated, the. -iolyn'onal framel is moved in a horizontal direction Within the frame 50.

The seat 211. is provided for the operator and issecured to the polygonal frame 51 by v means .of a bar 212. A.- cah 215 is placed over the forward end of the machine and is supported upon the plat-form 107 by upright posts 218 and 214. This cab may be supported' by four posts 218 and 214 on either side of the operato-rs seat, or the posts may be' placedv farther `apart if preferable on the cuter part of the platform by means of the posts 215 and 216', whose positions are indlcated by dotted lines .inlFigx Q. A railmi;r Q17 maybe provided 'about the plat.

form 107, and is preferably supported by posts 218 which are secured at their lower ends to the outer fame 50. '1t will be seen that the platform. the cab. .the operators seat. tl-c..vare free tov revolve `Within the frange 50. It will be further seen. that the motor 110. the drive Wheels 115.and all the `driving and steering mechanism partake of the rotary movement of the polygonal frame 51 within the outer frame 50.

Ilia've preferred to illustrate in connection-'With my -invention the group of agricultural implements comprising a series of plows .219, a'harrow 220, and a. seed-drlll 218. A frame 221 for carrying these implements .is suspended at the lower ends of upright rods 222, which are attached to eccentric straps 223 and 224 which are fitted -to eccentrics 225 and 226. These eccentrics are secured to shafts 227 and 227, which have.

suitable bearings Vin standards`243 and 243a which rise from a framework .88, This framework 8S, as previously described, 1s

. adaptedto be removably `attached tothe wheels 228 and 229 which are secured to said .carrying frame 79 of my. improvedmain frame by the'bolts 89. 4 The shafts 227 and 227.carry sprocket shafts,"said sprocket Wheels being operativelyconnected by a sprocketcham 2281. One ofthe sprocket wheels 229 1s driven by the sprocket chain 230.which is attached-tol the sprocket'wheel23'1 fixed upon a shaft 232. The shaft 232 is carried bv a lever 234,

Figs. 3 and 24, vwhich is pivoted at 235 to a hanger or frame member 236.y This-'frame `member 236 is secured to the framework 88.

The shaft 232 carries rollers 233 which are secured to said shaft and which are adapted to be placed in frictional .Contact I tional engagement through means of a flexi-4 with theperiphery of the wheels 60. The levers 234 are adapted to cause this fricble member 238 which is led forward to the cab 4and enters thesame through an aperture 239 in the top thereof. A ring 240 is 'attached to the end of the flexible members or cord 238 and hangs Within convenient reach of the'operator. The aperture 239 is axially coincident with the platform 107and polygonal frame 51. The spring 237 draws back the lever 234 and moves the rollers 233 when the cord is released by jthev operator fro the Wheels. 60. By means of this lever an cord the operator is enabled to bring about a. rotation of the shaft 232, and hence of the shafts 227 and 227% to rotate the eccentrics and raise the frame 221, together Ato Ward swinging movement vand to transnnt the tractive force of the with the agricultural implements which are attached thereto.

In order to holdthe implements-in an elevated position While they are being moved from placle to place' and are doing no work, a curved or arched frictional rod -241 is provided. for making a. frictional contact with the' eccentric straps 223 and 224. when in their uppermost position. This frictional device 241 is supported by an upright frame member 242 whichis suitably'secured to the standards 243. The rods 222 are pivotally attached at 222a to the frame 221, in order ermit a small oscillating movement of sai rodsdue to the rotarymovement of the eccentrics 225. In order to prevent a backof the frame 221,

means of the hand wheel .170

lvehicle to the agricultural implements atftached to said frame I provide. the chains or vbars 55 of the. outer vcircular frame 50. These bars may be connected by stays 247' l'with the circular frame 59 to m'ore 'efficiently transmit the stress. Y

The operation of my inventlon has already been referred to in the preceding detailed description. The following brief outlineof its general mode of use-will be added.

The operator or driverocc'upies the seat 211, -with the steering wheel 170 before him.

The levers 160 and 162are within convenient reach for varying the speed of the vehicle .and for applying the brake. The treadles 161 are also within'reach of the operators feet and enable him 'to control the clutch and treadles are substantially the same as those commonly used in motor vehicles at the present time, and further-reference to them is not .thought necessary.

Theisteering vmechanism is operated by previously described. This hand Wheel may be made to cause either `of the4 clutches 178 or 179 to.`

become engaged with either of the'gears .183 or 184. The gears 183 and 184' being also to control the brake. A.These levers and constantly in mesh with the gear 198,'the

particular one engaged by its clutch Will bey caused to drive the said gear 198. The said clutch,is driven, through mechanism previously described, by the motor 140.` The gear 198 is connected through mechanism previously described, comprisingthe Worm gearing, With-a gear pinion 169.v This gear pinion 169 meshes with the gear teeth upon the lower edge of. the outer 'circular frame 50. It'will be seen thatthe operator mayoutrol the direction of rotation of the gear 169. It 'will therefore be seen that by rotatin'g the hand wheel 170 in either direction the operator may cause the power derived from the motor 140 to drive the gear pinion 169 in either direction at will. It is therefore clear that the inner polygonal frame 51. upon Which the platform and all of the driving and steering mechanism is mounted, may be rotated horizontally Iin either direction, and the vehicle thereby caused to move to the right or to the left, as may be desired.

A particular ac vantage `of the above described steering mechanism consists in the small radius in which the vehicle may be turned. It is in fact possible to turn the vehicle Within a radius equal to the length of the vehicle. Another importantadvantage lies in the fact that the power of thev thereby relieving-the operatoifof this distance without interfering with the position or movements ot' the circular trame 50 or the front portion of the machine. `lVhile this vertical movement of the members and wheels G0 takes place a very substantial connection with the remainder of the frame-- Work is maintained." This connection comprises slides 56 which act as a guide for the vertical movements of the members The members are, also slidably androtataloly attached to the transverse spring G3, the said spring beingpivotally attached at its center to the circular frame 50. It will be seen that t-he said spring may have a considerable angular movement in a vertical direction while maintaining its connectionwith the said members It will further be vseen that the spring (33 serves asan equalizing or distributing means for transmitting 'be used for supporting a plain the stressesfroni one part oii'ihe whole vehicle to the other parts. Another important feature f iiexibility consists in the mam 11er in which the implement carrying trame 79 is suspended from the main frame. This 'implement frame 1s free 1n a large measure to swing from side to side, its point o'l' sus- ,pensionl at its Aforward vend beingl a con-.

siderable distance'above its main body. The rear end of.- this'vehicle carrying frame Ti) is supported by another transverse spring S5 which has a slidable and rotatableconnecl'ion with the forked members 52, and hence a moreI or less universal movement is thereby permitted. This same implement supporting frame 79 may be used for carriage bodies for passengers by the simple removal and insertion of bolts or other fastening devices 89, 91, etc. .This trame. 7S.) may also y body or box for the carryimti;l of merchandise, which bod y may be. similarly attached by nieans ot bolts 91". Theseries of plows 219, the harrow 220, and the lower seed-drill parts E20 may be quickly raised or lowered by the operator by means-ot the cord #23S with the ring 240 at its end. This cord 23S causes' the'lever 234 to in'ess the roller 233 into contact with the driving wheel GO. The other" mechanism previously described causes the eccentrics 225 and 226 to rotate and to raise or lower the frame 221. v

vlVhile I have described .my invention more or less precisely with regard to the details of constructionand arrangement, I do not wish to be limited thereto, as 4Iv contemplate changes inthe construction', the form and .proportion of parts, and the substitutionof equivalents,4 las circumstances may,

suggest or render expedient, without de parting from the spirit otfmymvention.

I clalmz j l. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame, yrearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frame, wheels attached Vto said extensions, a resilient member pivotally attached to said primary `frame and havmg lconnections with said vextensions that permit a vertical movement thereof against lthe resistance of said resilient member7 'and a secondary frame axially disposed with rea lation to saidyprimary frame and adapted to` rotate with relation thereto whereby the vehicle maybe steered. v v

2. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame, rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frameywheels attached to said rearward extensions7 a resilient member pivotally attached to said' primary frame and having connections with said extensions that permit a vertical movement thereof against the resistance lotti mea-ns attaclied"-to said-prin'lary frame for guidingand constraining the movement of said extensions in a vertical direction, and a secondary 'frame axially disposed with relation to said prhnary frame and adapted to rotate with relation thereto lwhereby the vehicle may be steered.

3. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame, rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frame, and having forked rear ends adapted to hold 'the axles of wheels lying between the forked ends of said extension'sf'ivheels attached to said rearward extensions, a resilient member pivtally attached to-said connections with said. extensions adjacent said primary trame that permit a vertical moyen'ient thereof` against the resistance of said: resilient member, means attached to said primary frame for guiding and constraining the movement of said extensions in a vertical direction, and a secondary frame axially disposed with relation to said pri- Amary trame and adapted to rot-ate with -relation thereto whereby the vehiclemay be steered.

l. In ai motor vehicle, a .primary fra1ne,'

rearward extensions pivotally attached' 'to said primary frame, wheels attached to said extensions. a dependingr frame lpivotally attached to said primary trame. at its forward end and supported by said extensions at its rear end. and a secondaria7 trame adzt'pted to rotate with relation to' said primary frame whereby the vehicle may be steered.

5. In a motor vehicle, a primary f'ame,

said resilient member,

primary trame and having so,y

rear end, and resilient means attached to said primary frame and having connections with said extensions that permityertical I t movements thereof against the resist-ancefof saidresilient means.

y6. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame,V rearward'extensions pivotally attached toV said primary frame, wheels attached to said extensions', a depending Aframe pivotally attached to said primary frame at its forward end and supported by said extensions at its -reat` end, resilient means attached toY said "primary-.frame and having connections with said extensions that permit vertical movements thereof against the resistance of said resilient means, and a secondary frame `adapted to rotate with relation to said -primary fraine whereby the Avehicle` may be steered.I I

7, a motor vehicle, va primary frame, rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frame, wheels attached to said extensions, a depending frame pivotally attached. to said primaryrame at its forward endand supported by said extensions at its 'rear end, resilient means attached to said primaryy frame and having connections with'said extensions that permit vertical L movements thereof against the resistance of said resilient means, and resilient meansl attached to said depending frameadjacent its rear end and `having connections with said.

rearward extensions that permit' vertical 'movements thereof against said resilient means. Y Y

8. In a `motor vehicle, a primary "frame7 rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary' frame, wheels attached to said extensions, a depending frame pivotally attached to said primary frame at its forward end and supported by said extensions at its rear end, resilient means attached to said primary frame and having connections with #said extensions that permit vertical movements thereof against the resistance of said resilient means, resilient means attached to said depending frame adjacent its rear end and having connections with said rearward 'extensions that permit vertical movements ythereof against said resilient means, and a secondary frame adapted to rotate with relation to said primary frame whereby the vehicle may be steeret. y

9. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame, rearward extensions pivotally attached to 4 Vsaid primary frame. wheels attached'to said `ally attached tosaid primary extensions. and a depending frame pivot- :trame at its forward end and supported by 'said extenport and hold vehicle bodiesl or implement frames which may be removably attached to said depending frame.

'19. Ina motor vehicle, a. primary iframe, means for propelling and steering said Apri- .'mary frame, a plurality of rearward extensions pivotally attached to lsaid primary lframe, resilient means for resisting the pivotal movement'of said extensions; and aV body supporting frame pivotally attached at one end to said primary frame and supported at the other end by said rearward extensions.

1'1. In a motor vehicle., a primary frame,` j

means for propelling and steering said primary frame, a plurality of rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frame, resilient means' for resistingl the bodysupporting frame'pivot-ally attached at one' end topsaid primary frame and, indepivotal movement of saidV extensions, and a pendently supported at the other end lby i ently supported at the other end by each of said rearward extension, and 'resilient connections between said body supporting frame and. said rearward extensions adjacent said other end. L l

13. In a motor vehicle, a rearwardl extensions pivota y said primary frame, wheels attached to said extensions,A a depending frame pivotally attached to said primary frame at its forward end and supported by said extensions at its rear end, a secondary frame adapted to rotate with relation to said primary frame whereby the vehicle may be steered, a motor rimary frame 1li attached to" ment of said extensions, a body" supportingV rame pivotally attached at one-l end to said primary frame and independiio carried by said secondary frame, and lsteerendand supported by said extensions at its rear end, resilient means attachedrto said..

apprim'ary frame, ils

primary frame and having connections with `said extensions that permit vertical movements thereof against the resistanceof said resilient means, a secondary frame adapted to rotate with relation to said primary frame, a motor vcarried by said secondary frame, and steering mechanism carried by said secondary frame and geared to said motor.

sions at its rear end, and adapted to snpVA l 15. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame,

iso

Ward extensions.

rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frame, wheels attached to said extensions, a depending frame pivotally attached t0 said primary frame at its forward end and supported by said extensions at its rear end, resilient means attached tov said primary frame and having connections with said extensions that permit vertical movements thereof against the resistance of said resilient means, a secondary frame adapted to rotate with relation to .said primary frame whereby the vehicle may be steered, a motor carried by said secondary frame, and steering mechanism carried by said secondary frame and geared to said motor.

16. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame, a secondary frame, means carried by said secondary rame for propelling and steering said primary frame, a plurality of rearward extensions pivotally attached to said primary frame, resilient means for resisting the pivotal movement of said extensions, and a body tached at one end to Said primary frame and supported at the other r17. In a motor-vehicle, a secondary secondary frame for propelling and steering a primary frame,

supporting frame pivotally atend by.w said rear-` frame, means carried by said said primary frame, a plurality of rearward extensions pivotally attached to said priand a body supporting frame pivotally attached at one end to said primary frame and independently supported at the other end by each of said lrearward extensions.

18. In a motor vehicle, a primary frame, a secondar frame, means carried by said secondary ame for propelling and steering said primary frame,l a plurality of rearward extensions pivotally mary frame, resilient means for resisting the pivotal movement of said extensions, a body supporting 'frame pivotally attached at one en to said primary frame and independently supported at the otherv end by each of said rearward extensions, and resilient connections between said body supporting frame and said rearward extensions adjacent said other end. y 'In testimony whereof,` I have subscribed my name. v v

THOMAS J. THORP." VVitnessels:

C. W. Wns'rovnn, FRED D. HoY'r.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by yaddressingjthe f Commissioner of Patents.

. y Washington, D. 0. l

attached to said .pri-v l mary frame, resilient means for resisting .u the pivotal movementof said extensions,- 

